Paddocks Pre-School

Inspection of Paddocks Pre-School Laindon Recreation Ground, Pound Lane, Laindon, Basildon SS15 5SP

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

The provision is good

Children arrive happily at this community-based pre-school. Caring and attentive staff welcome children warmly at the door. The effective key-person approach and friendly greetings from staff help children to part from their carers with ease. Children play well together. Staff act as excellent role models to children, helping them to develop kindness and consideration to others. They encourage children to tidy away their toys and offer meaningful praise when children complete tasks.

p.2

The provision is good

Staff use their extensive knowledge of the children to engage them in a range of carefully chosen activities and experiences. Children show developing concentration and engagement as they absorb themselves in their play. Staff engage with the children as they play, narrating and introducing new and interesting words. For example, as children make 'dinner' in the home corner, staff use words such as 'ingredients' and 'recipe'.

p.2

The provision is good

Children behave well. Staff use clear and consistent approaches to behaviour. For example, when children struggle to share, staff remind them of the expected behaviours and offer them choices about what to do next. For instance, they can use a sand timer or they can choose another toy. As a result, children are beginning to make positive choices for themselves.

p.2

need to do better?

n The well-organised curriculum supports all children to make good progress across the areas of learning. Staff use their knowledge of children's start points, and child development, to plan a range of learning experiences. Assessment is used effectively to identify the progress children make in their learning and development. n Children have plenty of opportunity to engage in activities that support their interests. However, at times, teaching is not considered enough to support children's curiosity and further deepen their knowledge. For example, staff do not always use questions that help children to think critically and solve problems. n Children are developing an awareness of healthy lifestyles. They pour themselves cups of water to hydrate throughout the session. Staff provide opportunities to teach children about healthy foods. For example, they make faces on sandwich wraps using vegetables and healthy fillings.

p.2

need to do better?

n Outside, children approach physical play with enthusiasm. They participate in ball games and use the slide with confidence. Younger children learn to navigate risks as they climb the steps to the slide. Attentive staff stay close by to support them when necessary. During adverse weather, children engage in physical play inside, such as dancing and exercise sessions. n Children access a range of activities that promote fine motor skills. For example,

p.2

need to do better?

9 January 2024 they roll, stretch and flatten dough, before cutting out shapes. This helps to develop muscle strength and dexterity in preparation for early writing. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported effectively. Well-organised support plans have clear targets that help children to make the progress of which they are capable. Partnership working with parents and other professionals, such as speech and language therapists, further supports children to achieve. n Children are becoming increasingly independent. Staff encourage children to try things for themselves. For example, children peel bananas and help themselves to sultanas. Younger children are supported to develop these new skills through sensitive coaching from staff. Children manage their personal hygiene well. For instance, they wash their hands and wipe their noses. Staff work closely with parents to support children who are toilet training.

p.2

need to do better?

n The manager is passionate about her work. She has fostered warm and trusting relationships with children, staff and parents alike. There is an open culture of feedback within the pre-school. Staff receive regular feedback about their performance. They are also invited to share feedback with the manager about any areas that she could improve. The manager has ensured that all staff are clear about their safeguarding responsibilities. They have a good knowledge of child protection matters and how to raise concerns. n Parents speak highly of the pre-school and the staff team. They express their gratitude for how confident their children are and how much progress they make. Parents commend the staff for how well they communicate with them about their children's progress.

p.3

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.3

Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

p.3

should:

n support staff to enhance their teaching skills that help children to develop their curiosity and thinking skills.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY469367 Local authority Essex Inspection number 10308436 Type of provision Childcare on non-domestic premises

p.4

Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Sessional day care

p.4

inspection

Total number of places 26 Number of children on roll 26 Name of registered person Serendipity Nursery Ltd

p.4

reference number

Telephone number 07742 004091 Date of previous inspection 23 March 2018

p.4

Information about this early years setting

Paddocks Pre-School registered in 2013. It employs six staff, three of whom hold appropriate early years qualifications. The pre-school opens Monday to Friday during school term times. Sessions are from 9.15am until 12.15pm. The pre-school provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

p.4

Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the pre-school received since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the provider and has taken that into account in their evaluation of the provider. n The manager joined the inspector on a learning walk and talked to the inspector about their curriculum and what they want their children to learn. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact that this was having on children's learning. This included a joint observation of a craft activity. n Parents shared their views of the pre-school with the inspector. n The manager showed the inspector documentation to demonstrate the suitability of staff.

p.5

Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

p.5

Inspection activities

9 January 2024 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

p.5

Inspection activities

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

p.6

Inspection activities

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

p.6

Inspection activities

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.6

Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

p.6